Time for a Refresh

Last week, I talked about my love of the ocean and learning about the marine life that resides within. On that note, I’ve also spent time learning about outer space. Afterall, history shows us that thousands of people have been involved with space exploration. Over 500 have actually gone into outer space. That’s not even to say how many have left their footprints on the moon. That always fascinates me because I used to wonder why there was so much interest in outer space than there seemed to be in what we have right here on earth. There is so much interest and certainty among some that alien life is out there. Yet, we haven’t identified every living creature currently inhabiting this earth. I mean, there are still parts of our earth, outside of the ocean, that are unexplored. 

I could ruminate forever about that. Regardless, those things made me think about how this behavior mirrors how many of us live our lives. The outer becomes more vital than the inner. Let’s face it, sometimes it becomes easier to deal with. By that, I mean it’s easier to dress up and present yourself as “okay”, even if you aren’t. When it comes to matters of the heart, it’s difficult to deceive ourselves. Some people have grown comfortable with wearing a proverbial mask and it becomes a wardrobe staple. So much so that investing time into repairing any inner hurts or broken-heartedness doesn’t just take a back seat, it falls off the grid. 

In recent years, I listened to an author speak where she touched on emotions. In particular, our tendency to dismiss our true feelings by using the word “fine”. What we have to acknowledge is that “fine” isn’t a feeling, no matter how many people make it seem so. Instead, we have to have a reckoning with our true selves. That’s not something that I can do, spiritually, without God’s help. Since I don’t want to dismiss any negativity or other emotions that are proving to be hindrances toward my process and progress, a reckoning is necessary. This brings to mind something I heard another speaker say. We have to get comfortable with feeling discomfort.

I previously touched on the dangers of complacency and this is another area where it gets us into trouble. Feeling comfortable is one thing when it’s a positive, right? I’m comfortable with my home and my to-do list for downtime. Those may not necessarily be negative things. People, however, can also grow complacent with things that are not good for them. I have a coworker who is quite used to things not going well in her life. That should never be something that anyone is comfortable with. 

All of this makes me more conscientious of my inner self. I don’t want to just say “I’m good” or the dreaded phrase “I’m fine”. I want to BE those things. No mask. No pretending. So, as we journey along in our faith walk, we have to learn to be honest with God and to be honest with ourselves. Don’t feel comfortable with your inner self being a wreck while your outer looks decent. Our goal should be for both versions of us to be beautiful. Beauty doesn’t mean perfect (no matter what you may find on the internet!). The content and complacent that I want to be is one who comfortably rests and trusts that I’m in Jesus’ care. That’s the first step to a clean heart. Dieticians, dermatologists, and other medical professionals will often say that what we put on the inside has an impact on our outside. The same goes for our spirit. Take care of what type of spiritual food you're feeding your soul. It makes a difference.

Stay Sunny!

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